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Tag Archives: Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean taking fans back to 90′s
Platinum selling entertainer Jason Aldean will give country radio a dose of nostalgia unlike anything heard before when he releases his next single, “1994,” available on Play MPE today.
“1994” embraces hip-hop elements and takes listeners on a fun journey through the year Aldean was a senior in high school, Justin Bieber was born, OJ Simpson’s white Bronco sped across the nation’s TV screens and a gallon of gas only cost $1.09. When Aldean first heard the demo of the song, written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Thomas Rhett, he nearly fell out of his chair laughing and knew it was something totally different that he wanted to take a crack at recording for the record.
About the reactions he’s been getting about the single, he shared:
“I love that this song gets such a reaction from people. Country music in the mid-90′s was a big influence on my career, and I played all the songs that are referenced in ’94 back in my club days. Joe Diffie was rocking a sick mullet, and he was hotter than ever…just putting out monster hit after monster hit. It totally takes me back to those days, and it makes me smile every time I hear it.”
Critics prove that the song’s unique approach is well-received, with the Associated Press praising Aldean’s risk-taking by saying, “As much as Aldean has tested the conventions of country music in recent years, nothing comes close to the nerve it took to cut ‘1994’.” Additionally, Billboard labels it “the most downright fun country song to emerge this year” and claims that it “represents the blending of hip-hop to country like no other song before it.”
Aldean will debut “1994” next Tues. on TODAY (2/26) and on Wed. on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2/27). While in NYC, he’ll also perform at the All for the Hall New York show at the Best Buy Theatre where he will join Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and more in raising money for the Country Music Hall of Fame and at his first-ever show at Madison Square Garden, which sold out a few weeks ago in less than 10 minutes.
The 2013 NIGHT TRAIN tour kicks off this Thurs. with a sold out first weekend and continues on to 24 cities through May. Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will open for Aldean on the tour which also includes sold out stadium shows at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium (4/13), two shows at Boston’s Fenway Park (7/12 and 7/13) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (7/20).
Kelly Clarkson takes on Clive Davis
Music superstar Kelly Clarkson is standing up for herself in a message posted on her Facebook and Twitter accounts today. Music superpower Clive Davis released a memoir, and which Kelly claims he spreads false information about her and she gives her side of what happened.
Kelly, who has released multiple country singles (“Because Of You” with Reba McEntire, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean, “Mr Know It All” country version, and “Don’t Rush” with Vince Gill), is frustrated at what Clive wrote in his book.
Read Kelly’s statement below:
So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.
First, he says I burst into “hysterical sobbing” in his office when he demanded Since You Been Gone be on my album. Not true at all. His stories and songs are mixed up. I did want more guitars added to the original demo and Clive did not. Max, Luke and I still fought for the bigger sound and we prevailed and I couldn’t be more proud of the life of that song. I resent him dampening that song in any way.
But, yes, I did cry in his office once. I cried after I played him a song I had written about my life called “Because Of You.” I cried because he hated it and told me verbatim that I was a “sh*tty writer who should be grateful for the gifts that he bestows upon me.” He continued on about how the song didn’t rhyme and how I should just shut up and sing. This was devastating coming from a man who I, as a young girl, considered a musical hero and was so honored to work with.
But I continued to fight for the song and the label relented. And it became a worldwide hit. He didn’t include that in the book.He also goes on to say My December wasn’t successful because I co-penned the album and it didn’t have “pop hits”. Well, first let me say, I’ve co-penned many of my “pop hits.” Secondly, My December went platinum (It sold 20,000 less than All I Ever Wanted which followed My December.) Hardly a huge failure. Never Again, the ONLY single they released in the US from that record was a Top 10 hit. I am very proud of that and I have my fans to thank. But, again, what’s most interesting about his story is what he leaves out: He doesn’t mention how he stood up in front of his company at a convention and belittled me and my music and completely sabotaged the entire project. It never had a chance to reach it’s full potential. My December was an album I needed to make for myself for many reasons and the fact that I was so completely disregarded and disrespected was so disheartening, there really aren’t words to explain….
Anyway, I love my job. I love my music. I love my fans. I love my label and all of my professional relationships… now. And I am grateful for Clive for teaching me to know the difference.
Cheers to another amazing year! And, as always, thanks for listening!
KC
What do you think about Kelly’s message? Do you support the 2012 Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year nominee standing up for herself? Read her statement here on Whosay.
Exclusive Interview: Introducing Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves
When I spoke to Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves, they were amidst a radio tour in Paris, Texas. They were also in search of the Eiffel Tower wearing a cowboy hat. Believe it or not, shortly after our interview, they Tweeted a pic that they had found it.
Although this may sound silly, it’s a perfect anecdote about this family band, a determined, but fun-loving group determined to make their dreams come true. Whether those dreams involve finding the Texan Eiffel Tower or making great music, they’re well on their way.
Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley & Luke Bryan are Faster Horses
Get ready country music fans in Michigan! A brand new festival is about to take off in Brooklyn, MI with some huge country stars. The Faster Horses Festival, which is being organized by Live Nation’s ACM Promoter of the Year Brian O’Connell, will feature headlining performances by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, and Luke Bryan. The three-day festival will run from July 19th to the 21st and will also feature performances by Jerrod Niemann, Thompson Square, Kix Brooks, Chris Young, Colt Ford, and more to be announced.
Three-day festival passes are $170 and will go on-sale on Monday, February 25th at fasterhorsesfestival.com.
Following the success of the inaugural Watershed Festival at the famed Gorge Amphitheatre last year, O’Connell selected a wide-open field in the secluded Irish Hills in Michigan for his next country camping festival. Surrounded by lakes and rolling hills, this area of Michigan is a summer hot spot, attracting vacationers far and wide. The Faster Horses Festival is set to be a prime summer event featuring 2 stages, 9 campgrounds, late night jam sessions, food trucks, bonfires and more to highlight the unique summer lifestyle experience in the area.
Are you excited for the new festival? Will you be picking up your tickets on Monday? Who else do you want to see added to the festival lineup?
Country stars react to Mindy McCready’s suicide
It’s been a tragic twenty-four hours for the country music community after learning about the passing of singer Mindy McCready. The “Ten Thousand Angels” artist was found dead from an apparent suicide last night in Arkansas. Mindy was 37 years old and leaves behind a six year old and a nine-year old son.
See what some of country’s brightest stars had to share about the sad news:
Oak Ridge Boys: We sang “Farther Along” last night in honor of Mindy McCready. One day we will know!!!!!
John Rich: Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life.
Jana Kramer: So sad to hear about the loss of Mindy. What an insanely talented woman.
Michelle Wright: As you may know Mindy McCready has passed on. She was a young promising country music artist in the mid ’90′s but faced a number of challenges and I’m so sad that she lost the battle with addiction and mental illness which can also cause depression. I’ve been sober now for several years and I know how hard it can be sometimes. RIP Mindy.
Jimmy Wayne: RIP @mindymccready We met 14 years ago @ Acuff & Rose. Who’d thought 14 years later on this day…. #why
Jason Blaine: Sad to hear about the passing of Mindy McCready. Thoughts & prayers for her young children. Tragic situation.
Carrie Underwood: I grew up listening to Mindy McCready… so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them…
See more reactions below:
Country Music Blog Rodeo: The Year of the Country Crossover
Over the last few years, country music has certainly expanded beyond the old stereotype of boots, big hair and ten-gallon hats. Artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum have huge pop hits, the Zac Brown Band & Jason Aldean sell out Madison Square Garden and the Scotty McCreerys and Tate Stevens of the world rise to fame via televised talent shows. On the flip side, Mumford & Sons get played on country radio, UK-lite-rocker Ed Sheeran tours with Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson performs on the CMA’s. Over the last few years, it has become commonplace for country musicians to dabble outside of their genre, and if January of 2013 is any indication, this trend is only going to continue into 2013.
Interestingly enough, I grew up claiming that I loved all music “except country.” (Seriously – I think I wrote that on my Myspace…don’t judge me, I’m from NY.) However, after being taken to see Rascal Flatts at Madison Square Garden, my perspective on the genre completely changed and I was hooked. Now I’ll listen to anything from Garth to Reba to Taylor to Jason. However, if you were to ask a purist of country music, they’d probably argue that Rascal Flatts is just a boy (err, man) band in cowboy boots, Taylor is a dubstep-loving pop act and Jason’s renegade hick-hop style bastardizes country music. Yet, on the heels of Aldean selling out a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden in mere minutes, I’d argue that the biggest development of country music in 2013 will be the pure magnitude of its reach and ability to cross over, while also openly welcoming those who dabble and stretch the ideas of what typical “country” is.
Jason Aldean sells out Madison Square Garden
Looks like 2013 is about to be just as big a year for Jason Aldean. His first-ever headlining date at Madison Square Garden has sold out in under ten minutes. It’s another accolade that he’s been collecting lately for his 2013 “Night Train Tour” across the United States. Jason will play New York City on Saturday, March 2nd with Thomas Rhett and Jake Owen.
On selling out such an iconic venue, Jason said:
“I think people underestimate country music’s popularity in New York City. The Garden is one of those places every artist dreams of playing. I am blown away that my show sold out that quickly…it makes me even more excited to hit rehearsals this month and get the Night Train tour on the road. I can’t wait to see you, New York!”
The news comes on the heels of Jason earning platinum certification from the RIAA for selling more than one million copies of his last single “Take A Little Ride.” It’s a pretty big deal, seeing how the single has only been out on the airplay charts for three weeks. “Take A Little Ride” is also Jason’s highest debut for any of his singles, landing in the top 20 on its first week. Jason just released his new single “The Only Way I Know” which features Eric Church and Luke Bryan, and is already finding a home in the top 5 on the airplay charts.
The 2013 “Night Train Tour” kicks off February 21st in Bossier City, LA. Will you be going to see Jason on tour this year?
Miranda Lambert fills in for Lady Antebellum at Country Fest
Miranda Lambert is helping out some friends in need next year, replacing Lady Antebellum‘s headlining date at Country Fest in Wisconsin. The superstar trio were forced to cancel dates next year because member Hillary Scott is expecting her first baby. Miranda will headline the festival alongside Toby Keith and Jason Aldean.
Miranda is the first headliner for the four-day festival on Thursday, June 27th. It’s the only solo tour stop in June 2013 for Miranda.. She’l be hitting the road with the Pistol Annies for most of the Summer.
“We could not be more excited to announce Miranda Lambert as a Headliner for Country Fest ‘13!” says Country Fest. “She not only puts on the most entertaining and high energy show for her fans, she is adding this solo date to her previously scheduled tour dates with Pistol Annies to join the Country Fest Family here in Cadott. We cannot thank Miranda enough & look forward to her return this year!”
Country Fest Main Stage June 27-30, 2013: Jason Aldean, Toby, Keith, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Brantley Gilbert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Hunter Hayes, Thompson Square, Gloriana, Colt Ford, Neal McCoy, Dustin Lynch, Josh Thompson, Love And Theft, Thomas Rhett, Parmalee, Edens Edge and JT Hodges.
Tickets & Camping for the 27th Annual Country Fest are currently available at Early Bird Pricing at countryfest.com . Prices increase January 23, 2013. Nearby hotels are available with continuous daily shuttle service for non-campers. Free mobile phone app also available now in app stores for Country Fest.
Jason Aldean’s Night Train goes platinum
Congratulations to Broken Bow Records’ superstar Jason Aldean! His brand new album “Night Train” has been certified platinum by the RIAA for selling more than one million copies since its release. The news comes only four weeks after it was put in stores on October 16th. The record is the follow up to his multi-platinum and highly successful “My Kinda Party.”
In other Aldean news, he’s heading to New York City with some pretty big company for New Years Eve. He’s been announced as one of the performers for Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2013. The special, which will also feature Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and viral internet superstar Psy, airs live starting at 10 pm EST on ABC on December 31st. Will you be tuning in?
Aldean’s second single off “Night Train,” “The Only Way I Know” feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church, is currently climbing up the Top 15 on the Billboard chart. The album’s lead single, “Take A Little Ride,” spent three weeks at No. one to become the longest running chart-topper of the year and Aldean’s sixth consecutive No. one single.
The recently announced 2013 “NIGHT TRAIN TOUR” will begin on Feb. 21 in Bossier City, LA and will include stops at least four sold-out stadium shows, with two nights at Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium already on the books. Special guests Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will open.
Performers announced for CMT Artists of the Year Special
While the honorees themselves are still being kept top secret, CMT has announced a big list of performers for their 2012 Artists of the Year special. Performing this year will be country superstars Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Kenny Rogers, Toby Keith, Hunter Hayes, Kacey Musgraves, Thompson Square, Jason Aldean, Eli Young Band and Sammy Hagar. While the station won’t announce the honorees, or even hint about who it could be, fans are encouraged to keep up-to-date in all the announcements at cmt.com.
The 90-minute special will be hosted by Rascal Flatts and “Nashville” show star Hayden Panettiere on December 8th, 2012 airing on CMT. Who do you think deserves to be honored at the third annual event?
